Smoothie King

Smoothie King is a quick-service restaurant chain specializing in smoothies.

Smoothie King was founded in Kenner, La., in 1973 by Steve Kuhnau. Its first franchise opened in New Orleans in 1989 and it expanded internationally in 2003 to South Korea. The company now also has units in Trinidad & Tobago and the Cayman Islands.

The company’s CEO, Wan Kim, began as the chain’s franchisee for South Korea, opening more than 100 locations in the company. In 2012, he bought Smoothie King’s parent company, Smoothie King Franchises Inc., from Kuhnau. He later sold his South Korea stores.

The Smoothie King menu features a variety of smoothies, including what the company calls “nutritious enhancers” that can be added, such as different kinds of protein, energy boosters and probiotics. The menu is split into four categories: “get fit,” “stay slim,” “be well” and “take a break.” There are also smoothies designed just for kids.

Key data: Smoothie King

Headquarters: Dallas

Segment: Quick service

Restaurant segment: LSR Salad/Healthful

Number of U.S. locations: 1,043

2020 sales: $479,618,000

Annual growth

Source: Datassential Firefly 500

CEO: Wan Kim

Parent company: SK USA, Inc.